The Citizens Redistricting Commission was created by a vote of the people in November 2008 to draw the boundaries for legislative and Board of Equalization districts. An additional vote in November 2010 added Congressional districts.

After a complex and thorough selection process, the Commission now has 14 members. The first eight commissioners - three Democrats, three Republican and two who are either Decline-to State or registered with another party - were selected by the independent state Auditor. These eight then chose the remaining six members.

The Commission has finalized its schedule for public input hearings where they will receive testimony on how they should establish the new legislative districts.

Public participation in drawing these districts is critical to ensuring that communities have the strongest voice possible to express their preferences. The public is encouraged to present testimony about the community in which they live, describing the kind of people who live there, important issues, community centers and community history. Speaking up about their community is critical to ensuring district lines are drawn to keep their community whole and grouped with nearby communities with similar interests. The Commission would also like to know about communities which do not share common interests which could be placed in another district.

Along with census data, publicly submitted comments will be used to assist the Commission when it begins drawing district boundaries.

The Commission is taking testimony from local area residents before drawing its first round of draft maps which will be released in June.

The hearings will take place on Saturday, May 21 in Oakland from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the City Council Chambers and on Monday, May 23 in San Jose from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Mayfair Community Center.

For more information and the full schedule of hearings, visit www.WeDrawTheLines.ca.gov